GM Koneru Humpy has said she is likely to withdraw from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, scheduled to take place in Paphos, Cyprus, from March 29 to April 16, following safety concerns. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has said the tournament will go ahead as planned.
Koneru, ranked fifth in the world, is one of the leading contenders in the tournament that takes place alongside the Candidates Tournament, and determines the women’s world championship challenger for GM Ju Wenjun.
However, this week, she raised serious doubts about whether she is travelling to Cyprus at all. “I’ve been following the news closely and speaking to family and friends. I don’t think it makes sense to risk yourself to play one tournament,” the 38-year-old told Hindustan Times.
I don’t think it makes sense to risk yourself to play one tournament.
—Koneru Humpy
The concerns come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran. The Eastern Mediterranean has also been affected, and earlier this month, a suspected Iranian drone struck the UK’s base on Cyprus’ southern coast, causing minor damage but no casualties.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory to “reconsider travel” to Cyprus due to the tensions. A similar Level 3 Advisory led to the U.S. Chess Federation cancelling its participation in the 2026 Pan-American Youth Championship in Antioquia, Colombia.
“It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there’s so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it’s still ongoing, and the tournament is less than two weeks away. I don’t think any official body would dare host an event in the region at this point,” Koneru said.
I know that alone, I may not be able to change anything. But regardless of whether I play in the Candidates or not, I felt it was important to express what I genuinely feel. I’m truly grateful to everyone who has shown their support. . For those who cannot understand the…
— Koneru Humpy (@humpy_koneru) March 18, 2026
A number of airlines flying to and from the Middle East have been forced to cancel their flights due to security concerns, and prices on some routes have also increased significantly. Koneru said she changed her flight to fly via Frankfurt, instead of Doha.
“I have the right to play till the last moment and I wanted to be ready for the tournament. At this point, though, it doesn’t seem like the situation is getting any better,” she told Hindustan Times, adding, “At the end of the day, life is bigger than sport.”
Koneru remains the only participant in the Candidates to publicly express concerns about safety in Cyprus. Chess.com has reached out to a number of other players for a comment to this story.
One player who responded is GM Zhu Jiner, the women’s world number-two and top seed in the Women’s Candidates.
“I completely understand the concerns,” Zhu said. “I think right now both FIDE and the players face a tough choice between potential security risks and the consequences of canceling travel plans.”
Zhu said she has adjusted her own flight route, and she will now have her connecting flight in Germany, instead of Dubai. “For me, staying in Cyprus is generally safe; I visited last year, and it’s hard to imagine such a peaceful and beautiful country being drawn into a war,” she said.
However, she noted that travel remains her primary concern, particularly given Cyprus’ proximity to the Middle East and recent developments involving military sites.
“My main concern is more about travel. Cyprus is relatively close to the Middle East and there are two British air force bases on the island. One of them was attacked earlier this month, and the other is very near to Larnaca Airport. That’s something you can’t ignore.”
Meanwhile, an alternative proposal has also emerged. Wadim Rosenstein, chairman of the WR Group and organizer of the WR Chess events, said his organization can step in if needed and host the Candidates in Germany with all costs covered “should it be necessary.”
“Our priority is clear: to protect the players, preserve the integrity of the competition, and ensure that the tournament can take place under the best possible conditions,” he wrote in a post on X.
Dear chess friends,
I am closely following the current situation in Cyprus and understand that it is becoming increasingly critical.
With @humpy_koneru Humpy Koneru reportedly considering participation in the Candidates Tournament, it becomes even more important to ensure that… pic.twitter.com/uuSVXFoIkv
— Wadim Rosenstein (@WadimRosenstein) March 19, 2026
In an interview with ChessBase India, FIDE CEO GM Emil Sutovsky, responded to the concerns saying, “Could something happen? Possibly. But at the moment, we don’t see anything even remotely dangerous enough to consider moving it.”
In an email to Chess.com, FIDE also reiterated that the event will go on as planned. “FIDE is constantly monitoring the situation and we are in close contact with the authorities in Cyprus,” the governing body said. “At this stage, there is no emergency in the country, and we have strong assurances and support at the highest level.”
The organization also noted that Cyprus’ president is expected to attend the opening ceremony on March 28. FIDE confirmed it has been in direct communication with players, including Koneru, and is offering logistical support where needed.
“We have offered assistance with alternative travel arrangements where necessary, with all expenses covered by FIDE,” the statement said. “Like for any other major FIDE event, we plan for possible scenarios to ensure the safety and comfort of players.”
If Koneru ends up pulling out of the tournament, she will be replaced by GM Anna Muzychuk as the next highest-placed player in the FIDE Women’s Events 2024-25 series not already qualified.